How to Get Started on a Home Project, According to Interior Designer Katie Calvin

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The toughest part of updating a space is getting started. When every room, every detail, could use some love, where you do even begin?

We sometimes aren’t sure ourselves. So we went to an expert: Katie Calnin, the Madison, Wisconsin-based interior designer behind Calnin Design Studio, who’s been successfully executing her method of starting home projects since she launched her firm in 2018. Her formula works with new construction, old remodels, and just changing up a place. And she brings her signature rustic-meets-modern aesthetic to every space she touches. “We lean very simple, organic, but then we’ll add in something whimsical like a patterned wallpaper or accent trim or millwork that is unexpected, so there’s always a fun element to it,” she says.

Here, Katie’s nine foolproof tips for re-envisioning your space.

Photography of Calnin Design Studio projects and shop by April Zelenka, except where noted.

1. Put pen to paper.

the very first thing katie does when embarking on a home project? make a list. 17 — Above: The very first thing Katie does when embarking on a home project? Make a list. “When I visit a client for the first time, I take a pen and paper and we go through every area that they want to address,” she says. “I list out all of the rooms, spaces, and details that they want to change. Then, we talk about whether they want to do it in phases or all at once, because that really informs the process.”

2. Edit what you have.

once you&#8\2\17;ve picked an area to tackle, katie recommends editing what 18 — Above: Once you’ve picked an area to tackle, Katie recommends editing what’s already there. “I would start with decluttering,” she says. “Take out the things that don’t serve a purpose anymore or that you’re no longer in love with and really focus on the pieces that do bring you joy and happiness so that you’re starting with a blank slate.” Photograph by Peter Godshall.

3. Gather inspiration (but know when to stop).

next, make a mood board. &#8\2\20;that could be on pinterest or ripping out 19 — Above: Next, make a mood board. “That could be on Pinterest or ripping out pages from a magazine,” Katie says. “I ask clients to collect at least 20 to 30 images—and then just stop because more could be overwhelming. From those images, pick two or three that really draw you in. To really make progress, you have to tune out everything else that you see on Instagram and really just go with your gut.”

4. Set a budget early on.

katie&#8\2\17;s next step isn&#8\2\17;t fun, but it&#8\2\17;s neces 20 — Above: Katie’s next step isn’t fun, but it’s necessary. “A big part is setting a budget,” she says. “That gets forgotten a lot. We get so excited about the design aspect of things, but if you determine how much you want to spend on a project at the beginning, you’re going to save a ton of time. Once you know that number, you’ll know where to shop and at what price points. If you don’t set that number right away, you might find yourself disappointed.”

5. Choose “foundation” pieces.

with your vision and budget established, you can begin looking for the pieces t 21 — Above: With your vision and budget established, you can begin looking for the pieces that will have the biggest impact. “I typically start with the things that bear the most weight or the most volume in the space,” Katie says. “That could be a couch, a coffee table, an area rug—the core pieces of the room.” These could be things you already own—identified in your edit—or newly found pieces. “Once I have those in place, then I start filling in with the smaller things like pillows, lamps, and side tables.” Photograph by Christina Hussey.

6. If you’re on a tight budget, focus on accessories.

if purchasing larger pieces isn&#8\2\17;t realistic, think small but impact 22 — Above: If purchasing larger pieces isn’t realistic, think small but impactful. “When the budget doesn’t allow for those bigger core pieces, stick with the smaller accessories,” says Katie. “That’s where that whimsical element comes into play, which I really love. It could be artwork that you found at a garage sale or that your grandmother gave to you, just something that adds personality.”

7. Don’t underestimate hardware and lighting.

&#8\2\20;hardware is the easiest thing you can do,&#8\2\2\1; katie says 23 — Above: “Hardware is the easiest thing you can do,” Katie says. “Etsy is a really great place for finding vintage hardware that’s very reasonable. Again, it adds a lot of personality. And with light fixtures, you can find a huge range from low to high. If you can change out your pendants or add a couple sconces on a wall, that can do wonders.”

8. Find things with stories.

sometimes, katie starts an entire project with one vintage gem. &#8\2\20;i 24 — Above: Sometimes, Katie starts an entire project with one vintage gem. “I love the hunt, and it can be really inexpensive, too,” she says. “I like incorporating vintage art and area rugs in my home. You can change a room so fast if you just switch out your area rug. I actually have a couple area rugs in my basement, so I can change them when I get tired of them.” Photograph by Katie Calnin.

9. Take your time.

it&#8\2\17;s okay to be eager to get started—but don&#8\2\17;t r 25 — Above: It’s okay to be eager to get started—but don’t rush to finish. “Design takes time,” says Katie. “We’re used to watching projects on TV that take a week, but in reality, you can spend years on your own home. The more layers you add, the more time you add. What creates a unique and special space is when you can tell someone’s taken time to intentionally collect things over the years.”

Getting started? Here’s some more advice from the experts:

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Start Here: How to Redo a Room When Everything Needs Help

1. Put pen to paper.

2. Edit what you have.

3. Gather inspiration (but know when to stop).

4. Set a budget early on.

5. Choose “foundation” pieces.

6. If you’re on a tight budget, focus on accessories.

7. Don’t underestimate hardware and lighting.

8. Find things with stories.

9. Take your time.

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Gather Table

Start typing to search...

1. Put pen to paper.

2. Edit what you have.

3. Gather inspiration (but know when to stop).

4. Set a budget early on.

5. Choose “foundation” pieces.

6. If you’re on a tight budget, focus on accessories.

7. Don’t underestimate hardware and lighting.

8. Find things with stories.

9. Take your time.

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Have a Question or Comment About This Post?

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join us on

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